Seattle Seahawks

THE NFL

December 17, 1992

QUARTERBACK RUSTY Hilger retired Wednesday, citing aching knees and business interests that need attention as his main reasons for leaving. Hilger, 30, had not played a down. Coach and General Manager Tom Flores said, ''Retirement is better than releasing him, because if he decides to come back next year he can. But I doubt he will.'' Jeff Graham will replace Hilger, behind Stan Gelbaugh and Kelly Stouffer.